Acharya Prashant addresses a question from a student who wishes to join the defense services but is discouraged by family members who prioritize safety and comfort in corporate jobs. He explains that such discouragement stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the self. Most people view themselves solely as a physical body, leading them to believe that the purpose of life is merely physical gratification and security. However, Acharya Prashant clarifies that true joy and suffering are experienced by consciousness, not the biological machine of the body. Defining oneself incorrectly as just a body is actively harmful because it prevents the pursuit of higher joy and the sublimation of consciousness.